Upcycle Thrifted Ginger Jar! Blue And White Chinoiserie Decoupage Magic

Want to breathe new life into thrift store finds? This step-by-step tutorial will teach you to create a stunning Blue and White Ginger Jar. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to turn this inexpensive ginger jar vase from plain to fabulous. Follow along as I teach you the simple steps to applying napkin decoupage to create a Chinoiserie Ginger Jar.

You can find old ginger jar vases for cheap at thrift and consignment shops. Many are less than aesthetically appealing. However, don’t despair because you can create stunning home decor accessories with a quick and easy makeover.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

What Is A Ginger Jar Vase Used For?

Ginger Jar Vases began as a way to store and transport spices and oils in Ancient China. Later, they became popular as decorative decor. Many antique ginger jars are handpainted and given as gifts for special occasions. The blue and white Chinoiserie Ginger Jars represented double happiness and were given as wedding gifts.

Is A Ginger Jar Valuable?

Should you stumble across an antique ginger jar that is handpainted porcelain, it will likely be valuable. However, many are now mass-produced and don’t hold their value. If you should luck up and find a handpainted porcelain blue and white one at a thrift store, grab it. LOL

How To Look For Ginger Jars At Thrift Stores

If you are searching for a ginger jar vase to makeover, you want something inexpensive.

Begin by determining what you want to use your jar for. Then, determine the size you need.

Once you find the desired size, be sure the jar isn’t cracked or damaged.

The jar I found appears to be an inexpensive ceramic piece, and the size is perfect for my intended purposes. Plus, it was only $8.00.

How To Upcycle A Ginger Jar

Now that you have found your ginger jar vase, you are ready to upcycle and transform it into a Chinoiserie Blue and White Vase.

You will want to purchase some Chinoiserie Blue and White napkins, mod podge, and spray paint.

Paint the Ginger Jar White

Begin by using white spray paint that will adhere to glass or ceramic. I used the Chalky White Spray Paint.

Place your jar in a well-ventilated space and spray lightly to prevent any drips or runs.

Depending on the original color of your jar and design, you may need to apply 2-3 coats of paint.

Prepare Napkins For Decoupage

Once the paint dries, you will be ready to apply the napkin decoupage. I found these Chinoiserie Napkins for my Blue and White Ginger Jar makeover.

Separate the layers of the napkin. You will only need the top decorative layer. Use a piece of tape to help separate the layers.

Next, cut the decorative napkin layer into pieces to apply to the ginger jar. You can apply larger pieces to the open areas of the jar but will need smaller pieces for the curvy areas.

Apply Mod Podge To Ginger Jar

Begin adding small sections of mod podge to the ginger jar. I like to start at the center of the jar at the widest part.

As you apply the napkins, be gentle because they are very fragile and easy to tear. Press each section onto the jar and use your brush to smooth the pieces. You can add more mod podge over the top as you go along.

Once the entire jar is covered, apply another coat of mod podge to seal.

Repeat the process on the lid. Allow all pieces to dry.

Chinoiserie Blue and White Ginger Jar Vase

Who would ever guess this is the same vase? It has all the elements of an authentic Chinoiserie Blue and White Ginger Jar. The upcycled thrifted jar update only cost $8.00 and was completed in less than 1 hour.

It looks so fresh and stylish, filled with vines and flowers.

I had planned to use the upcycled ginger jar on an upcoming tablescape, but I’m loving it here on the entry table.

It looks right at home, combined with vintage and thrifted blue and white finds.

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy DIY Napkin Decoupage Upcycle project.

See how it looks on our Supper Club Chinese Inspired Blue and White Tablescape.

Resources:

Click on images for details and to shop.

Other Napkin Decoupage Ideas

Here are some other napkin decoupage ideas you will love.

• Distressed Lamp Makeover with Napkin Decoupage
• Decoupage Easter Eggs with Napkins and Old Book Pages
• How To Make A Decorative Wood Box with Decoupage
• Decoupage Tin Can Centerpiece
• DIY Napkin Decoupage Thrift Store Napkin Rings
• Easter Lambs Napkin Decoupage Tutorial

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.